Dr Carter said: “The RCN cautiously welcomes today’s announcement on European Union (EU) cross border healthcare because it clarifies the rights and responsibilities of patients seeking care in other EU member states.
“However, this new directive will only work if the EU puts in place information systems that make patients aware of their care entitlement abroad and the quality of the care available. This should allow those considering treatment in other parts of the European Union to make an informed choice.
“The EU needs to ensure that equity is central to any further developments in cross border care. We would be very concerned if patients who clearly required hospital treatment were expected to pay upfront for healthcare in another European country.
“At the same time, as more people want care closer to home, we need safeguards to ensure the directive doesn’t interfere with local health service planning.
“We look forward to working closely with EU decision-makers and our European counterparts to ensure that equity and quality are at the heart of cross border care.”
For more information
Cross border healthcare proposal
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